Many drug charges are initially tried at the state level. A lot of people are simply arrested for drug possession, for instance. They are in possession of substances they should not have obtained—whether these are prescription medications, illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, or even something simple like marijuana products.
One thing that can cause the charges to escalate is when they cross state lines. This can turn them into federal crimes because the federal government has jurisdiction when criminal activity happens on two sides of a state border. For instance, this is why it is illegal for people who buy recreational marijuana to drive into another state. Even if the initial purchase was legal under state regulations, marijuana is federally illegal, so crossing state lines is prohibited.
Drug trafficking charges
Often, crossing state lines also means that people face allegations of drug trafficking. The authorities believe that they were trying to transport drugs to another state in order to engage in sales and distribution.
It’s not just the geographical component that leads to trafficking charges. The quantity of drugs can also play a role. If someone is caught with a few prescription pills, they are likely just to be charged with possession for personal use. But if they are found with thousands of pills, the police may take this as evidence that they intended to sell that product in another state—leading to drug trafficking charges, which can carry much more severe sentences.
Drug cases like this are nuanced and complex. Be sure you are well aware of the legal options at your disposal.
